Memories With A Beat

I was thrilled to have Dan Kuckel and Tommy Lavalle, who formed their band No Easy Day, join me to talk about their band and how 'All Along the Watchtower' brought them together. Tommy recounts his teenage years playing the song with his high school friends. When Tommy heard his neighbor, Dan, sing the song, it sparked a fire to start up a band and play together. They are able to jam a little harder with a full band now. Dan shared how music got him through some tough days in the Navy. This song helped him to ease into the spotlight of live performances. They both shared their love for the lyrics and the story within 'All Along the Watchtower' and how their band has adapted it.  

Whether you're a fan of the original Dylan version, Hendrix's electric twist, or the Dave Matthews rendition, this episode has something for everyone. The guys shared how a serendipitous night out with friends inspired the band's original song 'With My Friends'. Discover the stories behind the music and the passion that drives this band forward.
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When Chris hears "Sing Sing Sing," he's instantly in his bedroom waking up to music and the smell of fresh cut grass. Chris Stone, a former Sony employee, has always harbored a profound love for music, a passion deeply rooted in his childhood. His thoughts on music and memories reflect a deep emotional connection to the songs he grew up listening to, on record, such as those by Benny Goodman and Louis Prima. His upbringing in a musically diverse environment not only shaped his musical tastes but also inspired his creative endeavors, including playing bass guitar and composing music.

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We're diving into the impact of Led Zeppelin's legendary track "When the Levee Breaks" with our guest, Clementine Moss. With over two decades of experience as a drummer in a Led Zeppelin tribute band, Moss's love for the band's music goes way back to her childhood, where their songs provided comfort and escape. Through her personal stories and insights, we explored how music can shape who we are, help us grow, and create connections that last a lifetime. So, come along for the ride as we uncover the timeless tunes of Led Zeppelin, the emotions they stir in listeners of all ages, and the enduring influence of one of rock music's greatest bands.

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"My favorite line is, 'You can buy all the makeup that MAC can make, but if you can't look inside you, find out who am I to be in a position to make me feel so damn unpretty.'" Kelda Music revisits an amazing group from the '90s, TLC, and we dive into their song "Unpretty" from the FanMail album, released in 1999.  Kelda shares how she resonated with this song in school and today how women are pressured to alter their appearance.

Kelda vividly recalls hearing "Unpretty" for the first time during middle school. She talks about being a tomboy, wearing braces, and feeling different from the "pretty" girls at school. We also discuss the song's origins as a poem. Kelda's insights remind us all that true beauty comes from within. Tune in to hear more about her journey and how "Unpretty" helped her embrace her natural self.

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Nismah Osman unpacks the roles Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has played in her life. Starting from her high school years, the song accompanied her through moments of joy and camaraderie as she and her friends turned street corners into stages, busking their way through summer afternoons.

Nismah reveals how "Hallelujah" later morphed from a simple song in her repertoire to a symbol of her personal and philosophical shifts, especially after moving away from her religious roots. Listen in as we discuss the enduring impact this song has had through various phases of Nismah's life. Click to explore how a single track can echo through time, shaping and reflecting personal growth.

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Who remembers Vonray the band? I'm so thankful Jay Franze introduced them to me, and now to you! Jay remembers going to see their shows in the early 90's, when he was in the prime of his life. Jay used to live in Orlando when he was starting out in his music producing career and can remember grabbing a beer with friends and listening to their sets. One of the songs they often sang was Drinker's Hour.

Jay spent many years on the production end of music in Nashville. But how did he get from Orlando to Nashville? It's an pretting inspiring story of fate "granting wishes" for Jay. He was always a fan first but became friends with Vaughan and Dave Rhea and have stayed in touch. Jay has a podcast interviewing his guests about what goes on "backstage" of the industry. He had The brothers on to talk about their experience in the music industry. And I was flattered to be invited onto Jay's show as a co host to talk to Dave about THIS song Drinker's Hour. I hope you'll check it out, see below for a listening link in the full show notes. 

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Have you ever considered, that college is the only time (for most people) you live with your friends and visit your family? Kyle Wiltshire remembers that from his Freshman orientation. Kyle went to school with Jay Watson. Jay took Kyle under his wing that year, the fall of '98, Jay was a sophomore in college. Kyle ended up being an honorary resident of the dorm, his "room" being the couch!  

Catch the full episode to hear all the high jinx that went on in that dorm room due to this song! They were living their best life.  

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Andrew was used to surfing the radio airwaves to find great music. He and his brother loved having a radio in their bedroom. So naturally, in '94, when his family moved from Michigan to Rochester, NY, he wanted to see what new stations he could tune into. He came across WBER and his life was changed. He heard "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley! He couldn't wait till it came on the radio again so he could share it with his younger brother. Eventually, he was able to record it onto a mix tape and share it with his new friends.

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How does a girl from North Dakota get addicted to EDM? And who says how old a memory has to be to qualify for this podcast?

When I reached out to Kay to set up our interview this is what she had to say about her selection for this episode "Steve is my favorite EDM DJ and producer. He is from Germany and creates progressive house, trance and euphoric tracks." In the midst of starting her new career, she commented on social media to Steve about his music, and would you believe, he replied? This song has such a positive beat and restores Kay's hope for love, humanity, and that you can heal from heartbreak.

It was Basement Jaxx, Calvin Harris, and Skrillex that first caught her ear. In 2013, she feels like EDM helped her to find herself again and it seems as though EDM is working in Kay's life to do the same thing now!

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In three short years my guest today, John Kimble, went from robbing homes, committing felonies and doing drugs to understanding how to positively motivate himself and others. He remembers this song because the crowd he was surrounding himself, is who introduced him to it. At that time he loved the vibe it gave off. It was like a hype song for them before they misbehaved. But now? Now?

Let's just say his dad wasn't happy with what John had been up to so he was punished with early wake-ups and going to work with his dad. John can see this as his father's love now and appreciates what he did for John. John considers Wess Watson his mentor. "Once you are aligned on that path and you're listening to someone else who is on that path, it's collective conscience." 

I was so blown away by the wisdom this Eighteen-Year-Old shared that I wrote down SEVENTEEN quotes. Just good advice for me to continue to reflect on. John said, "Age is in wisdom not in numbers." And he is proof of that!

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